Classic Baileys Irish Coffee Recipe
Who doesn’t like the thought of drinking a warm, soothing drink that feels like a hug in a mug?
This Classic Baileys Irish Coffee is the right mix of coffee, whiskey, and creamy Baileys that makes every time feel like a special event.
It’s easy to make, rich, and tastes great. This recipe is for you whether you want a treat to enjoy on a cold night, a festive drink for the holidays, or just a way to make your coffee better.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee (approximately 6 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of Irish whiskey (optional for an extra kick)
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (optional, to make it sweeter)
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade) for the top
- Optional garnish: chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top
Equipment
- Mug made of glass (can handle heat) and a spoon
- French press or coffee maker
- Whisk or mixer (if you’re preparing whipped cream from scratch)
- Small grater or microplane (for chocolate garnish)
Tips for a Perfect Drink
- To warm up your mug, fill it with hot water and let it sit for a minute or two. This keeps your drink heated for longer!
- Pick good coffee: The coffee is the main part of this drink, so be sure to use freshly brewed, high-quality coffee for the best taste.
- Change the sweetness: Some people don’t like their coffee overly sweet. Add sugar to taste, starting with a tiny amount.
- If you want that ideal whipped cream dollop, use a piping bag or even a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off for extra control.
- Don’t forget the garnish! Adding cocoa powder or chocolate shavings gives it an added layer of taste and makes it look so nice.
Instructions
- Heat the mug
To begin, heat up your glass mug with hot water. Before you put the drink together, pour away the water. - Make the coffee
Make about 6 ounces of new coffee and pour it into the mug that has been warmed. - Add whiskey and Baileys
Add 1–2 teaspoons of Irish whiskey (if used) and 2 tablespoons of Baileys Irish Cream. Mix well to make sure everything is mixed. - Add sugar if you want to.
If you like your drink sweeter, add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Mix till it is gone. - Add whipped cream on top
Gently spoon or pipe a dollop of whipped cream on top of the coffee. - Add the garnish and serve
Finish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top, and serve right away.
Additional Notes
If you’re serving this drink to a group, make the coffee ahead of time and keep it warm in a thermos.
Whip your cream a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you need it.
No whiskey? No problem! You can leave it out completely or add more Baileys for a creamier taste.
If you don’t want to use dairy, you can use a dairy-free coffee creamer (such almond or oat milk creamer) and combine it with a little bit of dairy-free Irish cream liqueur.
Change the garnish: If you don’t like chocolate, try some cinnamon or nutmeg instead.
It’s ideal to drink Irish coffee when it’s fresh. If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often), you can put the coffee in the fridge and heat it up again later. Before serving, add the Baileys, whiskey, and whipped cream.
Conclusion
This Classic Baileys Irish Coffee is a great way to treat yourself or impress your visitors with little work and a lot of flavor.
It’s warm, creamy, and just rich enough to make you feel like you’re celebrating with every drink. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do!